Understanding My Billing Statement

The layout is designed to provide you more information that is easier to understand. Electric and PowerNET rates, as well as your account information and meter reading schedule, have NOT changed.

The following example is a residential electric AND internet COMBINED billing statement. Your bill may have different features and charges. Scroll down for definitions of terms that may be on your bill.

Please call 509-786-2913 if you have questions about your bill.

Front Side of Bill

Back Side of Bill

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A - Contact Us

Look here for ways to contact our office, to make a payment or ask a question.

B - Message Center

Important messages about your account and payments will be listed here. This is also where you can learn about new services and events for co-op members.

C - Billing Summary

Here you will find your past payments, current charges and total charges due.

D - Payment Stub

If you’re mailing your payment, include with it the bottom third of your billing statement. The front includes the amount due and account information. The back includes a form to update your contact information and lists other ways to pay. If you read your own meter, your payment stub will include a space to record this. Turn this page over for all your payment options.

E - Energy Use Graph and Comparison Chart

Compare your current energy use to previous months and last year with this 24-month graph and chart. Knowing the length of your billing period and the average temperature during that time can help you understand changes in the amount of electricity you use.

F - Billing Details

For each of your electric accounts, look here for the meter number, rate schedule, service dates, meter read and total kWh use as well as how these charges are calculated. PowerNET account charges will also be listed here.

Download or Print These Helpful Guides

What It All Means - Billing Terms and Definitions

Account Number

The unique number associated with each electric or PowerNET service. One member may have multiple accounts, each with a different account number. Your account number can be found either on page 1, under your name or in the header of each account on your billing statement.

Annual Minimum Charge

An annual charge to account for some of the cost of supporting an irrigation account with low energy use during the year.

Automatic Draft

The amount automatically charged to the credit or debit card enrolled in Benton REA's AutoPay program.

Bank Draft

Base Charge

A monthly fixed cost that covers a small portion of the cost to maintain Benton REA's electric system and provide electricity to the member; charged whether or not any electricity is used.

Bill Date

The date the billing statement was generated.

BPA Power Cost Adjustment

A per-kilowatt charge subject to change based on unexpected fluctuations in wholesale power costs from the Bonneville Power Administration.

Capacity Charge

A per-kW charge determined by the peak demand recorded, from either the previous or current irrigation season, depending on the rate schedule. If a demand meter is not in use, the kW is calculated.

City Utility Tax

In areas where applicable, a city utility tax is calculated for the electricity used on the account. Each city has its own tax rate set by the city, and some do not have any. Benton REA is required by law to charge this fee for accounts within the boundaries of the cities to which the taxes apply.

Credit Balance

The amount currently applied to your account balance, above what is owed.

Current Charges

Charges accrued during the billing period stated on the billing statement.

Current Month Budget Amount

The current amount due based on the calculated budget (levelized) payment. To learn more about budget (also known as levelized) billing, click here.

Demand Charge

The amount charged for the largest amount of electricity drawn from the Benton REA electric system by the consumer. Demand is determined by the average kilowatt delivery during the 30-minute period when the consumption of energy is greatest (the peak).

Energy Charge

A per kilowatt-hour charge calculated by the amount of electricity used during the billing period.

Facility Charge

A monthly or annual charge for special plant investment needed to serve the account, determined by a separate contract for service and billed in February.

Invoice Group

The number given to a group of accounts that will appear on the same billing statement. If applicable, this can be found under your name on page 1 of your billing statement.

kWh Usage

The total kilowatt-hours consumed during the billing period.

Late Charge

For payments not received by the next billing date, Benton REA charges a 1% or $5 late fee, whichever is greater. For PowerNET accounts, the late fee is 1% or $2.50, whichever is greater.

Meter Multipler

A method of measuring electrical use where the demand for electricity exceeds a meter's measuring capacity. Very large homes or commercial/industrial facilities have multipliers higher than 1.0.

Past Due Balance/Overdue Charges

The unpaid amount from the previous billing period.

Power Factor

A charge applied if the average power factor is less than 97%.

Present Reading

The kWh reading on your electric meter recorded on the "Services To" date.

Previous Reading

The kWh reading on your previous bill and recorded on the "Services From" date.

Rate Schedule

The type of electric service provided to match the needs of each account.

Seasonal Account Base Charge

The monthly base charge billed annually in May for seasonal accounts.

Service Activity

The address and/or description for the service associated with the account.

Standby Service

A charge billed in November to maintain electric facilities for future use at a disconnected or inactive account. The charge is determined by the maximum kW demand from the most recent irrigation season or the installed nameplate horsepower.